Question

Rosa wants to plan a community nutrition program to encourage children ages 11-15 to consume healthier afterschool snacks. Her first step would be to:

A. Identify funding sources
B. Define program goals and objectives
C. Conduct a community needs assessment
D. Seek support from the parents and schools of intended participants

Answer 1

Rosa should begin with conducting a community needs assessment to better understand the nutrition issues and habits of the community. Education on the benefits of healthier eating and the involvement of the entire community are key to the program's success.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rosa's first step in planning a community nutrition program to encourage children ages 11-15 to consume healthier afterschool snacks would be to conduct a community needs assessment. This assessment will help Rosa understand the specific nutrition issues within the community, the eating habits of the children, and potential challenges to implementing the program. By identifying the community's needs first, the program can be tailored to be most effective.

Education plays a crucial role in this process, as it informs children about the benefits of healthier eating and the origins of their food. It is also important to involve the entire community, including parents, schools, and local healthcare providers, to create a supportive environment for the program's success. Initiatives such as the Let's Move! campaign have emphasized the integration of healthy nutrition and active lifestyles in combating childhood obesity, an example of a comprehensive community approach.